RAS Prelims MCQ Practice

Explanation

The replacement was driven by the need for a paradigm shift in governance. The old centralized, top-down approach was seen as increasingly out of sync with a diverse and rapidly changing economy. The new institution was designed to promote a bottom-up approach and foster cooperative federalism, where states are equal partners in the national development agenda. This shift acknowledges that development cannot be imposed from the center. By encouraging states to develop their own plans and share best practices, the new body fosters a more participatory and responsive governance model, ensuring that the country’s growth is more balanced and that the benefits of development are more widely distributed.

Explanation

India has made significant strides in quantum technology, including successful free-space communication demonstrations by ISRO. The development of the QSim toolkit provides a platform for researchers to simulate quantum circuits on classical computers. Furthermore, achieving quantum stability typically requires extremely low temperatures near absolute zero to prevent decoherence, a challenge addressed by modern cryogenic systems used in quantum research laboratories.

Explanation

Amber has Mughal influence, Kumbhalgarh uses the Aravalli terrain and Ranthambore uses forest and rugged land for defence. Gagron has strong ramparts as well as water on three sides, so D is incorrect.

Explanation

The institution’s objectives include fostering cooperative federalism, developing village-level planning mechanisms, and creating an innovation support system. It also focuses on technology upgradation and capacity building. Significantly, it does not enforce mandatory plans on states, moving away from the directive nature of the previous planning regime toward a more collaborative and advisory role. These objectives align with the institution’s role as a knowledge hub and a catalyst for change. By focusing on innovation and capacity building, it helps both the center and states to modernize their governance processes, ensuring they are better equipped to handle the complex challenges of sustainable development and economic transformation in the long run.

Explanation

Covaxin is an indigenous Indian vaccine developed using the whole-virion inactivated platform. This traditional technology involves growing the SARS-CoV-2 virus in large quantities and then "killing" or inactivating it using chemicals. The dead virus cannot cause disease or replicate within the body, but it remains intact enough to be recognized by the immune system, which then develops a protective response.

Explanation

The Maha-Maru style of temple architecture developed in early medieval Rajasthan mainly under the patronage of the Gurjara-Pratiharas, with Osian temples as examples.

Explanation

The ‘bottom-up’ approach is implemented by encouraging the formulation of credible development plans at the village level. these local plans are then progressively aggregated at higher levels of government. This ensures that national policies are grounded in local realities and needs, making the planning process more democratic, inclusive, and effective across the country. This methodology ensures that local aspirations are heard at the highest levels of policy making. By starting from the grassroots, the institution helps to create a more responsive and accountable planning system that empowers local communities and ensures that developmental resources are directed toward the most pressing needs of the people.

Explanation

Adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to enhance the body’s immune response. Covaxin uses a unique adjuvant called Algel-IMDG, which specifically helps in generating a robust T-cell response. This is important because while antibodies block the virus from entering cells, T-cells help identify and destroy already infected cells, providing more comprehensive and durable protection against the viral infection.

Explanation

The Brahma temple at Pushkar is in Ajmer district, stands on a high plinth with marble steps, has swan carvings and an image of Gayatri beside Brahma. It is a living place of worship and not a dead monument under the ASI, so IV is incorrect.

Explanation

The institutional structure allows for a maximum of four members from the Union Council of Ministers to serve as ex-officio members. These ministers are nominated by the Prime Minister and provide a direct link between the think-tank and the key executive departments, ensuring that policy advice is integrated with the government’s operational priorities. These ex-officio members represent crucial sectors such as finance, agriculture, home, and defense. Their involvement ensures that the institution’s strategic planning is grounded in administrative reality and that its recommendations are more likely to be implemented effectively across various branches of the central government, fostering better policy coherence and coordination.